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Badminton ace Kirsty Gilmour says winning a medal at Glasgow 2014 is within her grasp

Kirsty Gilmour dreams of a medal from the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games but more than anything else, she wants to have fun.

The 20-year-old from Bothwell is one of the nation’s top hopes as she tackles singles, doubles and team events in badminton at the Emirates Arena from July 24 to August 3.

It was of little surprise that Gilmour qualified for the major event, having enjoyed a hugely impressive season, but she admitted it was nice to be officially told.

Kirsty said: “It’s a really nice feeling to be over this little stage. It wasn’t really unexpected, but it’s a good feeling none the less, knowing that I’m in the team and I can look forward to the proper Games.

“I’m really looking forward to it; it’s the highlight of my year, although we have the World Championships two weeks after it.

“The Commonwealth Games will definitely be the highlight and the bridgemark of my year – how many athletes get to compete at a home Games?

“I’ve had a taste of it from the Scottish International in November, but the crowds at this one will be almost double what they were.

“It will be awesome, the venue will be packed, and hopefully the majority of them are on my side – but you never know.”

When asked about what she hopes to achieve, Kirsty said: “First of all I hope to get enjoyment out of it, otherwise what’s the point in taking part in the first place.

“In Delhi in 2010 there was no expectation, it was all about getting experience and enjoying myself, and I hope to be able to do that in Glasgow as well.

“I want to perform well and if I do then a medal is within my grasp. If not... I’m still young, and have more Commonwealth Games that I can hopefully take part in.

“Any medal would be a bonus and brilliant. The expectation on my shoulders at the moment is such that a bronze would be a big achievement, but there is a whole lot to do before I can even think about that.”

However, having steadily climbed the rankings over the last few years, Kirsty goes into the Commonwealth Games with confidence.

She said: “It has been a pretty good season and I hope I can reach my peak at the right time, although badminton isn’t really about that. In badminton you either play well or you don’t; it can all be down to inches and being in the right moment.

“I go into the Games with confidence though. I’m 18th in the World, No.1 in the UK, and third in the Commonwealth.

“That’s a nice place to be, although the girl in fourth place is pretty close at the moment.

“I’ll look to use that, and hopefully it will stand me in good stead.

“There’s a real buzz about it. I just missed out on a home Olympics, but to get a home Commonwealth Games is just as special. If that happens again in my lifetime I’ll be surprised.”

Would be very difficult for Kristy to win a medal...
As saina and pv are the favourites.. JYT also looking in form after the UC..if she wants to deliver a podium finish she has to def very talented opponents who are even experienced then her..Li Michele arundhati pc thulasi will be in contention too

Would be very difficult for Kristy to win a medal...
As saina and pv are the favourites.. JYT also looking in form after the UC..if she wants to deliver a podium finish she has to def very talented opponents who are even experienced then her..Li Michele arundhati pc thulasi will be in contention too

Would be very difficult for Kristy to win a medal...
As saina and pv are the favourites.. JYT also looking in form after the UC..if she wants to deliver a podium finish she has to def very talented opponents who are even experienced then her..Li Michele arundhati pc thulasi will be in contention too

I think a couple of Singaporean WS players will probably be in contention as well. Barring a calamitous collapse, Saina and Sindhu should make it a 1-2 for India

According to the website,
"Malaysia and England traditionally dominate this sport, which has tens of millions of followers and players around the world. You will also see rising stars from Scotland, India and Singapore who will challenge for the medals in Glasgow."

No I have clearly mentioned LCW will win gold and WFC and rajiv will also be in contention....so I have already said about Mal and eng also..and these players are only flag bearers in singles..obvio Ind won't be in the contention in doubles except jwala and ashwini..